So we've reached our newest record of 7 and 1/2 pages in word, the last chapter was only 6 and 1/2 and please read ALL the bold text at the bottom!!!
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Review Responses:-
devilsheart - thanks
Eternal Cosmos - Well you have your answer, Usagi is the Japanese seeker and she is very good at the wronksi feint!
angelwingss6117 - Yep, going into 7th and Voldemort hasn't been defeated, Sirius is dead and nothing is perfect
Fre Dolphin - thanks
Tsuki no yasha - (Demon of the moon, do you watch InuYasha per chance?) You can order Sailor Moon DVD box sets of mvc.co.uk or .com, not sure which...newayz, thanks and do you think I should involve Chibi-Usa?
Queen Diamond - H, R and Hr are going into their 7th year, the crystal is in pieces, scouts are currently alive but what if Usagi needs the crystal??? Oh no!!!
sailorveggie - Nice name, newayz, he knows who she is, she knows who he is, they kinda meet next chapter!
Anime Moon Gurl - ty!!
setsuna-3000 - thanks
fallen-angel - well I've updated so enjoy!!!
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"Wow," Ron gasped as he pushed open the cabins door, it opened onto a small living space, with a wizarding wireless on the table that was surrounded by two large, comfy looking sofas with a fireplace directly opposite to them. A large archway lead through into a spacious kitchen with a round table and four chairs around it…small parlour and cooking equipments.
A door on one side of the front room lead to a corridor off which were five doors, four bedrooms, two on each side and a bathroom with shower and bath at the end.
"Nice," Lupin commented as he took his bag form Hermione and enlarged it, claiming one of the rooms on the right hand side, "I'll see you three in a couple of minutes," he said before he walked through the door.
"Ditto," Harry said quickly as he dashed off with his still shrunken trunk and broomstick leaving Hermione and Ron alone in the hallway.
"Um…well…thanks Hermione," Ron stammered awkwardly as he gingerly reached out for his shrunken suitcase that lay waiting in Hermione's outstretched palm.
"You're welcome Ron," Hermione replied hastily putting the bag in Ron's hand and moving away. The sudden movement made Ron jerk; he dropped the bag and dropped down to the floor to look for it.
"Where's it gone, oh no!" Ron exclaimed as he scrambled around on all fours desperately trying to find his missing miniature suitcase.
"Ron," he looked at Hermione who was crouching down to his right, her hand held out again, "It's here," he scrambled around so he was facing her, still on all fours.
"Thanks again Hermione," he exclaimed with delight as he clamped both hands around hers as if to stop his suitcase form escaping again.
"Um…" Hermione trailed off as a light dash of pink tinged her cheeks.
"Oh, err," Ron looked like a goldfish, his mouth opening and closing, periodically emitting distinguishable sounds.
"Well there's your bag Ron," Hermione said pushing it into his cupped hands and wrenching her own form his grasp, she turned and fled, red faced, into the room next to Lupin's, leaving Ron with the one opposite hers and next to Harry.
"Thanks Hermione," Ron murmured quietly while still in the hall as he headed for his own room.
A little while later they were all gathered, in muggle clothing of course, in the living area, "Who want sot go and browse the souvenir kiosks?" Lupin asked looking around at the other three, they all said yes but both Harry and Lupin noticed that Ron and Hermione were making a pointed example not to meet each others eyes. Harry looked at Lupin, who looked back and shrugged.
"Right, let's go then," and Lupin lead the way as the small procession of four picked their way through tents to a busy area filled with stands were people were exchanging money for gifts.
"Hey Ron, did you bring your Omniocullers?" Harry asked turning his head to look at Ron who trailed, rather miserably, behind him.
Ron looked up, "Yeh," he replied distractedly; "yeh I did," Harry nodded and turned back around, just in case he walked into someone.
"Hermione," Harry whispered leaning over to whisper in her ear so neither Ron nor Lupin heard.
"Yes Harry," Hermione asked looking at him, her response un-naturally quick.
"Did anything…happen…between you and Ron earlier?" he asked, Hermione looked very nervous when he suggested this.
"No," she gulped, "what would make you think that?"
"Nothing Hermione, nothing," Harry shook his head.
"Well, I'm going to look at the books, is anyone coming with me?" Lupin asked looking around at them; Hermione volunteered a little too readily when she saw Ron wasn't going to. After they went Ron grabbed Harry by the arm and pulled him over to some colourfully dressed oriental looking stalls with Chinese or Japanese people standing behind them, some in colourful kimonos and other in baggy pants and shirt and some dressed more like muggles in London.
"The Japanese make the best merchandise," Ron commented as he scanned over some floral barrettes, "you think Hermione would like this?" he asked holding up a purple flower with an orange centre and a soft purple tassel hanging below it, the flower seemed to twirl on it's own.
"Yeh I guess, not sure it's Hermione's colour though, what colour did she where to the Yule Ball?" Harry asked, Ron stood and looked at him, "what's wrong Ron?"
"Harry mate, are you…gay?" Ron asked hesitantly, Harry did a double take and look at him as though he was insane.
"Ron, what would make you think that of all things?" he demanded.
"You're talking about colour co-ordination like a…well, like a girl," Ron explained timidly, Harry frowned and looked at him patronisingly.
"Right, well Harry look at these," the red head said rather hastily when Harry started glaring at him, he lead the black haired boy over to a stall with white drapes where small figurines were either marching, sitting down, flying about an inch of the table in circles or some other for of casual action.
"Who is this Ron?" Harry asked picking up a small figure of a girl in white robes with colourful stripes and a tiger in a circle on the back of them holding a miniature Firebolt. She was grinning, her blonde hair up in two meatballs with the rest of her hair cascading from them. She had bright blue eyes and creamy coloured skin, she giggled from where she stood in Harry's hand.
"That's Usagi Tsukino," Ron said looking at her adoringly, "seeker for the White Tigers," Harry looked at him, his face portraying his confusion, "they're the Japanese teams this year," Harry nodded in understanding. "She's supposed to be really bouncy and fun loving out of the pitch but she can catch a Snitch pretty quick if you're not watching," Ron elaborated.
"Isn't the World Record 3 ½ seconds?" Harry asked, Ron nodded in agreement, Harry then turned to the stall vender, "How much is this?"
"3 galleons sir," the Japanese man behind the stall said, Harry grinned and handed over the money, holding the figurine gently who proceeded to hop on her broom and fly up to Harry's head where she settled herself comfortably in his hair.
"Aw," Ron cooed in an imitation of Hermione over crook shanks, "isn't it cute?"
"Shut up Ron," Harry groaned and pushed his irritating friend away.
They then both walked over to a stall with an English flag draped across the front, the glitter covered red-cross twinkling in the sun-light. Ron picked up a book that had on it in big red letters 'Team of 2004', he held it up for Harry to look at, "Take a look this is our team this year," Ron explained.
"Are we any good?" Harry asked as he opened the book and leisurely turned the pages.
"Fairly, I don't think we have any backups this year though, which is slightly worrying," Ron began ranting to himself becoming oblivious to Harry who was still looking at the book with interest. The two beaters; those were Ed Bowman and Harry Applegate, the three chasers; consisting of Amelia Thomas, Chelsea Hill and Andrew King (captain), the keeper; being Charlie Flanders and the seeker; Giles Williams.
"Why is it worrying Ron?" Harry asked looking up and putting the book down.
"Because the Japanese are in our sector this year," Ron said looking exasperated.
"Our sector Ron?" Harry looked confused; out of all his conversations about Quidditch with Ron they had never come to talk much about the workings of the Quidditch World Cup.
"There are two sectors in the Quidditch World Cup, which determine the two teams which are going to be in the finals, in our fourth year that happened to be Ireland and Bulgaria. However this year they're both in the same sector," Ron rambled on.
"So they can't both be in the final," Harry finished and Ron nodded.
"That's right, in total 32 teams compete, 16 per sector which gradually get eliminated," Ron continued to explain.
Harry nabbed a program from a nearby stand and showed it to Ron, "So are these the competing teams?" Harry asked.
"Yeh," Ron said, scanning his eyes down the list of competitors.
Africa
Antarctica
Australia
Brazil
Bulgaria
Egypt
England
France
Japan
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Russia
Spain
USA
"Antarctica?" Harry read looking at the paper in disbelief.
"Yeh, didn't you know we have wizards out there?" Ron asked; Harry shook his head causing his red-haired companion to laugh.
"Bet you wouldn't know that if Hermione hadn't told you," Harry replied, that made Ron shut up and go read, he was obviously blushing.
"How did you know Hermione told me that?" he demanded.
Harry laughed this time, "Lucky guess."
A few minutes later the pair met up with Remus and Hermione, "Oh you got a program," Hermione said, "we got one two, had you noticed they have the matches and the players in them?" she asked, looking pointedly at Harry, avoiding Ron's eye.
"Oh yeh," Harry said flipping through, "USA verses Italy according to this," Harry commented.
"Yes, they have a new captain I here," Lupin said.
"The Italians do," Ron repeated, "Emilio Wroth, only half-Italian really, half English," Harry listened interestedly, Hermione just began reading a book she had bought 'Quidditch through the Ages'.
"I think the USA will win, their chasers are better, not to mention their seeker," Lupin said.
"But their Keeper is a let down and so are their beaters, they'll have a problem keeping the Italians behind the half-way line," Ron commented, Lupin nodded.
"The Italian chasers aren't that aggressive, they'll be on the defence if the USA can score quick enough," Lupin remarked.
"Point, but anyone who was going to bet on it would probably go for the USA," Ron informed them, "what do you think Harry," Ron then turned to look at his friend.
"Oh yeh," Harry stammered having been caught off guard, "Italians, new keeper, win," Harry mumbled.
"Harry, have you been listening to a word I've said?" Ron asked.
"You sound like Hermione," Harry replied.
"I'll take that as an insult," Hermione said as she looked up form her book, Lupin saw that this was about to brew into an all out argument between the three if someone didn't stop them soon.
"Alright you three let's go," they all trudged as a group towards the stadium where announcements were being made. When they arrived at the stadium they were shown up to there seats, a nice red and white decorated box with plush seats and low and behold, the English Quidditch Team.
Ron's mouth dropped open and he gazed in awe as the seven players turned towards them, "Oh aren't they adorable," squealed one of the two girls on the team, she was wearing a blue trench coat, white trousers and a white shirt with a red cross clearly visible on the front; the English team uniform. She walked over to them and ruffled Ron's hair, who blushed, Harry noticed that Hermione's cheeks puffed at this.
"Jumping Jupiter," one of the two boys holding clubs exclaimed, "it can't be."
"No way," gasped the other.
The girl that was fussing over Ron took a sharp intake of breath and looked at Harry, "You're…Harry Potter," she was wide eyed; Ron looked a bit put out.
"You've done well Amelia," Lupin said, Harry, Ron and Hermione all turned to look at the sandy haired man with curiosity.
"Sure have Remus old boy, and to think James wouldn't let me on the team because I wasn't good enough," she smirked, Lupin eyes became downcast and she bit her lip, "Remus, I'm sorry."
"It's okay," he said a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "that was a long time ago," Lupin finished and Amelia nodded.
"I recognise you too," Amelia said grinning as she poked Ron in the nose playfully, "you're a Weasley right?"
"Amelia stop man-handling the guests," Andrew King said looking at her sternly, she giggled.
"Oh chill Andy-rue, I'm sure they don't mind, do you?" the last bit was a question directed at Ron who in return shook his head numbly unable to form a coherent word.
"So you gunna be supporting us then yeh?" asked the other chaser, Chelsea Hill, she walked over to Hermione.
"Yeh," Ron answered quickly.
She looked at him then Hermione, "So we have Remus Lupin, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, but, I don't think you've introduced yourself young lady," Chelsea said grinning.
Hermione straightened up, "Hermione Granger," Chelsea grinned and nodded.
"If only you were my age," said Charlie Flanders, the keeper, as he came over to stand, well, tower over Hermione. He was 6' 5 and she was only 5' 3, Hermione blushed and Ron definitely didn't look like he was enjoying what was going on.
"Come off it Flanders, you could never get a girlfriend that gorgeous," joked Harry Applegate, while twirling his beaters club in his fingers.
"Okay, that's enough hitting on the poor girl," said Andrew, "we have strategies to plan you realise."
"Chill out Andrew, there's always next year," said Amelia.
"Well maybe if you tried harder we could come back next year as the reigning champions," Amelia just stuck her tongue out at him.
"We do try, we're just never good enough," piped up Giles Williams, the seeker, despite the fact that so far he had had no participation in any or all of the conversations.
"Well anyway, our first match is against France isn't it?" Amelia asked and Andrew nodded.
A voice sounded across the entire stadium, "Hello and welcome to the Quidditch World Cup, I'll be your commentator, Michael Lorain, today's first match is between the USA and Italy, with world renowned referee, Madame Hawkins!"
As he said this Pumpkin headed scarecrows began to parade onto the pitch, their movements' stiff like a robot as though they had no real freedom of movement, "What are they?" asked Harry.
"USA team mascots," Amelia replied as they all clustered around the window.
"Wonder what the Italians will have this year," said Craig, thinking aloud.
A bunch of black haired, black eyes, grinning men strolled onto the pitch, Amelia and Chelsea turned around and refused to look at them, Hermione went rigid and her eyes glazed over, "Hermione," Ron exclaimed grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her. "Hermione, snap out it! What's wrong with her?" Ron demanded of Lupin.
"Calm down Ron," the golden eyed man put a hand on the red-head's shoulder, "they are uomini delle ragazze and are basically the male form of vela," Ron seemed to calm down slightly, the men stopped grinning and sat down, Hermione's eyes cleared.
"Ron, get off me!" she exclaimed and pushed him away, everyone laughed.
"Let the match BEGIN!!!"
The Bludgers were released, the Snitch flew off with a small vibrant buzz and the Quaffle was tossed into the air soon to be caught by, "Armstrong with the Quaffle, passes to Linen, who passes to Ton, throws the Quaffle and Quartz misses, USA SCORE!!!"
The match went on for some time and as Ron had previously predicted the Italians became defensive after the first goal, but despite the face that they knocked Linen out with a Bludger meaning USA had to bring on Foray, a reserve, they didn't do much.
"Oh what's this, there's something going on between Mayan and Douglas, could it be? Yes, yes it is, THEY'VE SEEN THE SNITCH! They're neck and neck, Mayan reached for it and he…it's disappeared, no wait, Douglas has caught it; the game is over USA WINS!!!"
"Told you the US would win," Ron said proudly, crossing his arms and nodding knowingly at Harry.
"I know you did Ron," Harry replied, he and Hermione grinned at each other, Ron failed to notice, which was lucky because he probably would have over-reacted if he had, what with everyone seeming to hit on Hermione today.
"This means Italy is out of the tournament, better luck next year guys, USA advance to the Quarter Finals and the next match will be ENGLAND verses FRANCE, after a rather humiliating defeat last year the English are back again to try their luck, however, the French seeker broke her back last week and they've had to find a quick replacement. It'll be interesting to see how this match turns out."
Lupin, Harry, Ron and Hermione waved good bye as the team filed down the stairs to get ready to enter the pitch, "Think we stand a chance Ron?" Harry asked.
Ron looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well maybe, but we'll have to play better than last year," Harry nodded and crossed his fingers.
Hermione giggled as what looked like toy soldiers in red uniforms and tea-cosy hats marched onto the pitch, they stood to attention before pointing miniature guns at the sky and firing, fire crackers burst from the barrels and exploded to form colourful crackling lettering that spelled out Go England.
The French team flew in wearing pale blue, turquoise coloured uniforms behind a bunch of flying eels with wing shaped fins, they were an icy blue and there were about twenty of them, with big sea blue eyes.
"What are they?" Ron asked, completely nonplussed.
"Elfins, aren't they just so adorable?" Hermione squealed clasping her hands together, Ron rolled his eyes.
"They not that cute Hermione," Lupin said seriously, "watch," someone in the crowd threw something, they couldn't see what, at the elfins, one of them swung around towards it and opened it's mouth to reveal two rows of sharp, gleaming, pointed teeth, whatever it was that was thrown was crushed.
"Now I remember, they were outlawed as pet a year ago when one devoured a man, I remember Professor bins telling us about it last year," she said dreamily.
"Well I don't," Ron sneered, Hermione glared at him.
"Stop it you two," Harry said.
"On your marks, get set, PLAY!" the Quaffle was released as were the Bludgers and Snitch, "Olivia has the Quaffle, she passes to Miguel, Miguel back to Olivia, she shoots…and it's blocked by Charlie Flanders, he throws to King, to Hill, to King again, to Thomas, she shoots, she SCORES!!! England lead 10 – 0," Chelsea patted Amelia on the back before they quickly got back to the game.
"England scores, France scores, England scores, and scores again, France, England, France, France, England, France, England, again, England again!" the commentating became one loud buzzing noise for Harry, he looked at the score board, 10 – 50 to the English.
He was brought back to the game by Ron shouted "Yes, go, go, go!" he was on the edge of his seat, Hermione was biting her nails, Lupin had his eyes fixed on something, then Harry realised. Giles had seen the Snitch and was closing in fast but he was hindered by Vivian Monroe who was right behind him.
They were so close to the ground now, if they didn't pull up soon both would crash. They both reached out and they hand closed around something, they fell off their brooms, Giles face up with Vivian on his chest. He grip fell from his fist in which was the Snitch.
Ron jumped up and began screaming, "YES, HE DID IT, YES!!!"
"And after a spectacular show, England wins the match by 170 points putting them safely in the quarter finals and 10 points ahead of the US, way to go England!"
Bulgaria played Germany and won 150 – 0, Hermione had been cheering for Krum and Ron, red faced and angered had been cheering for the German's.
Russia played Ireland and lost 290 – 200.
Africa played Egypt with Egypt scrapping a win at 150 – 140.
Australia played Antarctica, Harry and Ron has a laugh at the Eskimos riding brooms and naturally the Antarctica mascots were Yetis. Australia won 170 – 40.
Norway played Brazil, Norway brought weather birds and tried to distract the Brazil players by causing it to snow, they still lost, 310 – 190.
And then the final match of the elimination rounds, "And now, the last elimination match to decide the final continuant in the quarter finals will be, JAPAN verses SPAIN!"
Of course Spain lost not just due to their poor passing and goal keeping abilities but the Japanese seeker, Usagi Tsukino being so fast and flexible on that broom of hers. "And Japan wins after another spectacular catch from Tsukino, the score is 350 – 70."
"That's the end of that then folks; I'll leave you with the scores and hope that you'll join us again tomorrow for the quarter finals of the Quidditch World Cup! USA – 180, England – 190, Bulgaria – 150, Ireland – 90, Australia – 130, Egypt – 10, Brazil – 120 and Japan – 280. There you have it everyone, Japan has already taken an early lead, England nearly a hundred points behind them in second place with 190, but you never know what'll happen in the next match. Until tomorrow, this is Michael Lorain logging off!"
"We did it," Amelia squealed grabbing Lupin and squeezing him tightly, "and we're in second place to," Amelia was bouncing around, "who says we party?" there was a raise of hands.
"No," everyone looked at Andrew, "we're 90 points behind Japan we can't be hung-over tomorrow or we could risk loosing our place in the semi-finals."
"Oh alright spoil sport," Amelia consented, "but I still think we deserve a reward," she whined playfully.
"You know, for a 29 year-old, you still act like you did in school," Lupin said putting his arm around her shoulders.
"You only knew me for my first and second years remember?" she giggled, he rolled his eyes.
"Hey Hermione," the brunette turned sharply in her seat to find Charlie sitting behind her, "how about a kiss for being such a good keeper," she blushed, he grinned, "just on the cheek, nothing serious?"
"Um…okay," he winked at her blushing face and turned his face slightly, she kissed him hurriedly, he grinned and walked away silently to talk with Ed.
"What was that?" Hermione spun around again making her neck click to come face to face with a furious Ron.
"Nothing," she said her temper rising to meet Ron's.
"Why were you kissing him?" Ron demanded.
"Why would it matter to you?" Hermione screeched, Harry turned around at the sound of his friends raised voices, Lupin did too.
"Because…" Ron trailed off, "because he's older than you," Ron finished quickly.
"So are you," Hermione screamed, she raised her hand to slap Ron but he caught her wrist and pulled her too him. She didn't have time to protest as Ron grabbed the back of her head and…well you can guess what happened.
Harry and Lupin looked at each other and grinned, "Finally," they both said at the same time to each other, they then looked away and left Ron and Hermione out of their conversation.
Um...what can I say? Harry first glimpse of Usagi in action, wow!
Next chapter, the quarter finals, some Ron/Hermione action, the semi-finals and big moment! :-)
One question, SHOULD I PAIR REMUS UP WITH SOMEONE???
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Just for the hell of it guys I'm going to do a side fic where you can ask the characters about this story, if you confused about something or if you wanna ask...yeh, that'll come up if I get some positive feedback on the idea so basically people REVIEW!!!